Federal funding for Toronto transit could be good sign for Metro Vancouver

The Harper government has promised up to $2.6 billion to cover a third of a major Toronto transit project, which could be good news for Metro Vancouver.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson says the regional mayors’ council is in the process of applying to the feds and province for funding for transportation, but must wait first for the results of the transit plebiscite. Voters were asked whether they support a 0.5-per-cent increase in the sales tax to pay for transit projects.

“The federal funding we need for the entire mayor’s plan, that $7.5-billion plan — we expect one third of that to come from the federal government, and one third also come from the referendum approval. If we get that, we have the local dollars.”

All of the items in the Metro Vancouver mayors’ plan, including light rail in Surrey and rapid transit along Vancouver’s Broadway corridor, need federal funding.

“It’s complicated. If it’s a ‘no’ vote, it’s difficult to say exactly what happens next because that means there is no local contribution to major projects.”

So if there’s a “nos” win- it will be our fault if the Feds decline to hand over money for the transit plan.
Maybe the Feds looked at Toronto’s proposal as something that will actually make a big difference in moving people. Maybe it’s actually very cost effective.

One can’t say the same for Gregor’s plan-and the Vancouver City overall traffic “plan” is all about making it harder to get around.
Would we need a subway if the other streets that parallel Broadway could be more efficient transportation corridors? A block from a skytrain station would hardly be an inconvenience.

David: Amazing! Finally, you admit to your doubts. “Would be no different if the NDP managed to win”.
David, there are suckers born everyday. Once a sucker, always a sucker. The readers Church mouse Ken280 and insite are two of these suckers.
Mulcair says that if he won the federal election he would raise the corporation tax.
Remember that these corporations employ 1000’s of people. If the rate goes up, then it would result in major layoffs of employees to offset the increase in rates.
These people that want to vote for the NDP have to remember than when they get laid off, Mulcair will not have a job for them.

Keep holding your breath Gregor! Hold it for a long time please! The Feds won’t give Vancouver a dime as long as this council of monkeys and their leader keep clogging up traffic with their bike lanes plans and viaduct removal.